Peacock wins a record 10th place in Super League dream team

Leeds Rhinos’ Jamie Peacock responded to being named in the Super League dream team for the 10th time, by taking to Twitter to express his delight.

Peacok said: “Delighted to make double digits in the dream team. Been very fortunate to play in 2 very good teams both @OfficialBullsRL and @leedsrhinos”

His selection comes after a fine season, with the Rhinos finally winning the Challenge Cup having failed in six attempts over the past 15 years.

Even though the Rhinos’ form deteriorated somewhat following their victory over rivals Castleford, they are still second favourites to win the Grand Final at 4/1, despite a sixth place finish in the Super League standings.

Peacock was joined in the selection by fellow teammates Zac Hardaker, Ryan Hall, Kallum Watkins, and Carl Ablett, as well as Challenge Cup runners-up Daryl Clark and Michael Shenton.

Encouragingly, it was an all-England line-up, which stands the country in good stead for the Rugby League World Cup in 2017. St Helens centre Thomas Makinson capped a fine season by being named, following his haul of 25 tries, while Wigan’s ever reliable Sean O’Loughlin was selected at loose forward.

Undoubtedly, the position that had the fiercest competition for places was at centre. Many Warrington fans have a right to feel aggrieved that Super League leading try-scorer Joel Monaghan didn’t make the team after crossing 28 times this season. The same could easily apply to Warriors’ Josh Charnley (19 tries), Huddersfield’s Jermaine McGilvary (20 tries), and Michael Oldfield at Catalans Dragons (also 20).

At full-back, many could say Hardaker is a surprise selection. Dragons’ number one Morgan Escare finished just short of Monaghan, after breaching the opposition’s in-goal area on 27 occasions, however Hardaker’s consistent all-round game could have been what swayed the judges’ decision.

Clark’s selection at hooker was undoubtedly deserved after a sterling season with the Tigers, and he alongside Peacock is a favourite to win the ‘Steve Prescott Man of Steel’ award. Attention now turns to the play-offs, with the Rhinos man aiming to make it a clean sweep this term.